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Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
Standard Model/Computer-Based Testing
Level II Content Outline
The candidate for NICET certification at Level II in the Inspection and Testing of WaterBased Systems should have the knowledge and experience to:
Under limited supervision, inspect and test wet pipe and dry pipe sprinkler systems;
inspect standpipe systems, fire pumps, tanks, and fire mains for evidence of damage,
deficiency, or impairment; and complete standard reports.
There are three exams listed at Level II; all three plus the two
listed at Level I are required for certification at Level II.
Note: For each exam, the skills and knowledge listed under each task are suggestive of those
involved in that task, but are not intended to constitute an exhaustive listing.
Test # 10019: Level II
Inspection
2.1
Inspection
(Questions related to these tasks makeup 100% of
the exam)
2.1.1
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 5.2.1, 5.2.1.3, 5.4.1.4, 5.4.1.5
Function and appearance of the parts of a sprinkler
Minimum clearance rules for sprinklers
Skills:
Differentiate between markings/paint applied at the
factory and those applied after installation.
Recognize damage and other conditions that affect the
operation of a sprinkler.
Recognize violations of sprinkler clearance rules.
Determine whether an adequate supply of spare
sprinklers has been provided.
2.1.2
Skills:
Determine inspection frequencies by referring to NFPA
25: Table 8.1.1.2.
Verify that the scope of an inspection can be fulfilled in
conformance with NFPA 25: 8.2.
Inspect pump houses for conditions that could affect
proper operation of the enclosed fire pump.
Inspect a pump system for indications of conditions that
could affect its proper functioning.
Inspect a fire pump electrical system for indications of
conditions that could affect the pump’s proper
functioning.
Inspect a fire pump diesel system for indications of
conditions that could affect the pump’s proper
functioning.
Perform visual inspection of installed sprinklers
for damage and visually apparent operational
deficiencies or impairments, and verify presence
of an adequate supply of spare sprinklers.
2.1.3
Inspect fire pumps and fire pump system
components for damage and visually apparent
operational deficiencies or impairments.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 8.2 and Table A.8.2.2
Function and appearance of the major parts of each type
of fire pump system
Approved December 1, 2014
Inspect tanks for water levels, air pressures, or
temperatures that are outside of expected
ranges.
Knowledge:
Units of measure for temperature
NFPA 25: 9.2.4.1
Skills:
Use NFPA 25: 9.2.1, 9.2.2, 9.2.4, and Table 9.1.1.2 to
determine inspection frequencies.
Page 1 of 7
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888-476-4238
Recognize indicators of the correct fill level and/or
desired air pressure for a tank.
Read thermometers and water level and air pressure
gauges.
Identify visible damage to a thermometer or gauge, or
readings that are outside of the expected range.
2.1.4
2.1.7
Approved December 1, 2014
Visually inspect the interior of opened and
drained alarm, dry pipe, deluge, and swing
check valves, and strainers for any conditions
that might limit proper functioning, and to clean
strainers.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 13.4.1.2, 13.4.2.1, 13.4.3.1.7, 13.4.4.1.5, and
13.4.4.1.6
Which preaction, deluge and dry pipe valves need to be
opened to be reset
Internal components of alarm, dry pipe, deluge, and
swing check valves and their functioning
Skills:
Use NFPA 25: Table 13.1.1.2 to determine inspection
frequencies.
Reset alarm valves, dry pipe valves, and check valves.
Locate, remove, clean, and replace strainers.
Recognize damage to components or other indicators of
limited functionality
Identify visible damage or deficiencies that could limit
or threaten the functionality of the valve or strainer.
Inspect fire mains, including hydrants, post
indicator valves (PIVs), exterior hose houses,
monitor nozzles, and mainline strainers for
damage and apparent operating condition.
Knowledge:
NFPA-25: Chapter 7.2, and 13.3.2
Skills:
Determine inspection frequencies from NFPA 25: Table
7.1.1.2.
Identify hydrant outlets.
Identify externally visible deficiencies that could limit or
threaten the functionality of fire mains.
Identify externally visible deficiencies that could limit or
threaten the functionality of wet barrel or dry barrel
hydrants.
Identify externally visible deficiencies that could limit or
threaten the functionality of post indicator valves.
Identify externally visible deficiencies that could limit or
threaten the functionality of hose houses.
Identify externally visible deficiencies that could limit or
threaten the functionality of monitor nozzles.
Visually inspect the interior of drained and
opened pipes for evidence of foreign material.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 14.2, 14.3
Methods for inspecting pipe interiors
Indicators of the presence of foreign material
Skills:
Use NFPA 25: 14.2 and 14.3 to determine inspection
frequencies.
Identify obstructions such as sludge, rocks, coupons,
slime, MIC, rust, scale, corrosion, trash, zebra
mussels, sediment, etc.
Visually inspect pipe interiors.
Visually inspect standpipe and hose systems for
damage and visually apparent operational
deficiencies or impairments.
Knowledge:
Function and appearance of major components of
standpipe systems
NFPA 25: Table 6.1.1.2/”Inspection”
Scope of NFPA 1962
Skills:
Use NFPA 25: Table 6.1.1.2 to determine inspection
frequencies.
Verify that the scope of an inspection can be fulfilled in
conformance with NFPA 25: Table 6.1.2, first column
(except “Hose”).
Determine whether hose is present and properly stored.
Identify external deficiencies that limit or threaten the
functionality of a standpipe system, except for hoses.
Use NFPA 25: Table 13.1.1.2 to determine inspection
frequencies for standpipe valves.
2.1.5
2.1.6
2.1.8
Verify the presence of correct system signage.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 4.1.8, 5.2.8, 13.3.1, and 13.4.4.1.3
Skills:
Verify that correct signage is in place and provides
needed information.
Report signage deficiencies.
Page 2 of 7
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NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CERTIFICATION IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
www.nicet.org
888-476-4238
Test # 10020: Level II
Testing
2.2
Testing
(Questions related to these tasks makeup 100% of the
exam)
2.2.1
2.2.3
Determine whether sprinklers and gauges are
due for testing or replacement.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 5.3.1 testing and replacement requirements
for sprinklers
NFPA 25: 5.3.2 testing and replacement requirements
for gauges
Appearances of the types of sprinklers for which NFPA
25: 5.3.1 lists specific testing or replacement
requirements
Types of markings that are found on sprinklers
indicating type and age
Skills:
Use NFPA 25: Table 5.1.1.2 to determine testing
frequencies.
Use markings and physical characteristics to determine
sprinkler types.
Use markings on sprinklers to determine their ages.
Use information on gauges to determine their ages.
Review available testing records.
Recommend testing or replacement of sprinklers and
gauges.
2.2.2
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 13.3.3
Appearances and functions of various types of control
valves, including butterfly, indicating, non-rising stem
gate, and OS & Y valves
Appearances and purposes of spanner wrenches and
roadway box keys
Skills:
Use NFPA 25: Table 13.1.1.2 to determine testing
frequencies.
Locate control valves.
Conduct valve tests, including torsion tests and range of
motion tests.
Evaluate functioning per NFPA 25: 13.3.3.1 and
13.3.3.2.
Record and report test results.
2.2.4
Perform a main drain test.
Knowledge:
Purpose of main drain test
Problems that can arise during, or as a result of, the test
procedure
Skills:
Use NFPA 25: 13.2.5, 13.3.3.4, and Table 13.1.1.2 to
determine testing frequencies.
Obtain records of the acceptance main drain test and any
subsequent main drain tests.
Locate points in system at which testing procedures will
be conducted.
Survey the surrounding area for potential discharge
damage issues prior to testing.
Conduct a main drain test.
Evaluate the test results.
Record the test results and any conditions that suggest
further investigation.
Approved December 1, 2014
Test control valves for proper function.
Perform priming water, low air pressure, and
quick-opening device tests on dry pipe systems.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 13.4.4.2.1, 13.4.4.2.4, and 13.4.4.2.6
Various trim arrangements used for dry-pipe valves
Quick-opening device (QOD) operation
Skills:
Determine testing frequencies.
Locate, read, and interpret manufacturers’ instructions.
Conduct a priming water test and evaluate results.
Conduct a low air pressure test and evaluate results.
Conduct a QOD trip test and evaluate results.
Identify damage to components.
Record and report test results and any observed
component damage.
Page 3 of 7
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NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CERTIFICATION IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
www.nicet.org
888-476-4238
2.2.5
2.2.6
Perform a partial flow trip test on a dry pipe
system.
2.2.7
Perform a waterflow alarm test on a sprinkler
system.
Knowledge:
Testing frequencies listed in NFPA 25: 13.4.4.2.2 and
13.4.4.2.2.3
Procedures required to return a system to service
Tools required for procedure
Skills:
Use tools required for testing.
Determine when a partial flow trip test is mandated or
allowed.
Locate the points at which test procedures are to be
conducted.
Perform a dry pipe system partial flow trip test per
NFPA 25: A.13.4.4.2.2.3.
Identify problems that can arise during or as a result of
the testing procedures, and take steps to prevent or
resolve them.
Return system to service.
Record and report test results.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 5.3.3, including pass/fail criteria
Alarm connections of various systems
Appearances and functions of the major components of
fixed wet pipe or dry pipe sprinkler systems
Problems that can arise during, or as a result of, the test
procedure
Skills:
Use NFPA 25: 5.3.3 to determine testing frequencies.
Identify the alarm company and AHJ for notification.
Survey surrounding area for potential discharge damage
issues prior to testing.
Identify any undesired consequences that could result
from an alarm signal.
Conduct a waterflow alarm test to verify water flow and
alarm activation.
Document and report test results and any deficiencies
identified.
Perform a full flow trip test on a dry pipe system 2.2.8
to determine whether a change in the water
delivery time has occurred, and a dry pipe
system air leakage test.
Test supervisory signaling devices such as valve
tamper switches, low air pressure, and low
temperature to verify proper signal transmission
and reception.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 13.4.4.2.2.2 – 13.4.4.2.2.3 for testing
frequencies and scheduling considerations
Tools and equipment needed for the testing procedures
Skills:
Locate points in the system that will be used in the test
procedures.
Identify problems that can arise during or as a result of
the testing procedures, and take steps to prevent or
resolve them.
Use the tools and equipment required for the testing
procedures.
Conduct a full flow trip test of a dry pipe system
consistent with NFPA 25: 13.4.4.2.2.2, 13.4.4.2.3 –
13.4.4.2.5.2, and A.13.4.4.2.2.2.
Conduct a dry pipe system air leakage test consistent
with NFPA 25: 13.4.4.2.9.
Note any damage to parts of the system, or any
conditions that could limit its functionality.
Return system to service.
Determine the water delivery time and compare with
records from past tests.
Record and report test results and any deficiencies.
Knowledge:
Tools required for tests
Appearances and functions of the major parts of various
supervisory signaling devices
Environmental, system, or other conditions required for
a successful test
Skills:
Use NFPA 25: Table 5.1.1.2 to determine testing
frequencies.
Identify alarm and AHJ contacts for notification of testrelated signals.
Identify the various supervisory signaling devices
requiring testing.
Procure and use the tools needed for testing.
Test devices in accordance with manufacturer
instructions to verify proper signal transmission and
reception.
Locate, read, and interpret manufacturers’ instructions.
Approved December 1, 2014
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www.nicet.org
888-476-4238
2.2.9
Perform no-flow (churn) and weekly tests on a
fire pump.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 8.3.1, 8.3.2, and 8.3.3.2(1)
Testing frequency in NFPA 25: Table 8.1.1.2
Functions and appearances of the parts of each type of
fire pump
Controller isolation switch safety precautions
Skills:
Identify alarm and AHJ contacts for notification of testrelated signals.
Locate and identify fire pumps and controllers.
Conduct a churn test of an electric fire pump.
Conduct a churn test of a diesel fire pump.
Determine rated churn pressure.
Identify unique pump characteristics (e.g. reducedvoltage / soft-start, variable speed, etc.) and modify
test procedures/criteria accordingly.
Recognize and resolve any problems that arise while the
fire pump is operating in the no flow condition.
Use test outcomes and observations to determine the
operational readiness of the fire pump.
Identify any damage to the pump system equipment, and
any conditions or problems encountered during testing
that could limit or threaten the pump system’s
functionality.
Record and report test results.
Approved December 1, 2014
2.2.10 Test antifreeze solutions to determine their
freezing points.
Knowledge:
NFPA-25: Section 5.3.4 and Table 5.3.4.1 (a) and (b)
Purpose, parts, and operation of a handheld
refractometer
Purpose, parts, and operation of a hydrometer
Skills:
Identify the system’s capacity.
Determine the number of test samples required.
Identify the target freezing point for the antifreeze
solution.
Locate the points for the test procedure.
Obtain a sample of the antifreeze solution.
Measure the specific gravity of the antifreeze solution
using a hydrometer.
Measure the specific gravity of the antifreeze solution
using a refractometer.
Identify the solution and its freezing point.
Record and report test results.
2.2.11 Identify system conditions discovered during
inspection and/or testing that would prompt an
obstruction investigation.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 14.2.2.2
Skills:
Identify the conditions that indicate that an obstruction
investigation should be recommended.
Identify the nature and possible sources of obstructing
material.
Record and report observations and recommendations.
Page 5 of 7
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NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CERTIFICATION IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
www.nicet.org
888-476-4238
Test # 10021: Level II Work Practices
2.3
Documentation
2.5
Work Management
(Questions related to these tasks makeup 12-16% of the
exam)
(Questions related to these tasks makeup 68-72% of the
exam)
2.3.1
2.5.1
Prepare formal reports for work under the
scope of Level II.
Knowledge:
Information, documents, and tools required for each task
Sequence of testing that makes sense and maximizes
efficiency
Steps involved in each task
Frequencies/scheduling of inspection tasks
Support required from fitters, alarm technicians, or other
qualified personnel
Equipment requirements for various procedures
Skills:
Coordinate impairments and/or work area disruptions.
Determine support required from fitters, alarm
technicians, or other qualified personnel.
Determine priorities among various considerations.
Plan placement and/or movement of equipment.
Develop the sequence.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 4.3
Role of the inspector/tester in determining the status of a
water-based fire protection system
Retention requirements as listed in NFPA 25: 4.3
Skills:
Determine which information must be included in
reports.
Identify which party or parties should receive the final
report.
Complete reports on Level II inspection and testing
activities, results, and observations.
2.4
Safety
(Questions related to these tasks makeup 14-18% of the
exam)
2.4.1
2.5.2
Follow safe practices for Level II inspections
and tests.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 4.9
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32 (f)
Lock out/Tag Out procedures (OSHA 29 CFR, 1910.147
(a)(1)(i))
Confined space entry precautions (OSHA 29 CFR,
1910.146)
Fall protection requirements (OSHA 29 CFR, 1926.104)
Skills:
Locate, read, and interpret the manufacturers’
recommendations for proper use of testing equipment.
Recognize other potentially unsafe conditions at a
worksite and obtain a determination and a resolution
on how to proceed.
Determine whether contained liquids or gases are under
pressure.
Determine whether electrical circuits are energized.
Identify potentially hazardous equipment deficiencies.
Identify situations that require lock-out/tag-out.
Ensure that correct procedures are followed during entry
into confined spaces.
Approved December 1, 2014
Plan a sequence of inspection and testing tasks.
Identify the tools and equipment required for
Level II inspection or testing of water-based fire
protection systems.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25
NFPA 291
Names and appearances of tools required for
performance of standard inspection and testing
procedures
Skills:
Identify the tools required for specific inspection and
testing procedures.
Recognize when test equipment needs recalibration or
equipment.
2.5.3
Identify records from the contractor’s and the
owner’s files related to the system to be
inspected.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 4.3
Fire protection system terminology
Representation of building elements and system
components in fire protection system plans
Purposes/scope of various types of plans and reports
Types of documents/information required
Possible alternate sources of required information
Skills:
Read and interpret fire protection system plans,
acceptance test reports, and inspection and testing
reports.
Page 6 of 7
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2.5.4
Knowledge:
Inspection and testing procedures and frequencies for
various systems and components
Time required for performance of various inspection and
testing procedures
Scheduling considerations for various inspection and
testing procedures
Skills:
Identify the alarm monitoring company and AHJ.
Coordinate access to the facility and/or system
components.
Coordinate disruptive aspects of inspection and testing
procedures with the facility’s work processes.
Coordinate any support needed for property damage
avoidance.
Read the scope of the contract.
Communicate clearly and professionally.
2.5.5
Skills:
Identify the alarm monitoring company and AHJ
contacts for notification.
Plan for the beginning and end of the impairment.
Plan for potential fire hazards that could arise during the
impairment.
Establish notification procedures before and after the
impairment.
Estimate the time required for the pre-planned
impairment.
Utilize valve shut-off/impairment tags.
Encourage the owner to limit operations during
impairment.
Develop a plan so that systems can be returned to service
immediately if a problem arises.
Manage work processes during the impairment to
minimize its duration.
Respond to an emergency impairment.
Conduct a pre-inspection conference with the
owner.
2.5.7
Notify applicable parties about test-related fire
alarm and supervisory signals.
Knowledge:
Role of system monitoring service
Types of monitoring services (protected premises,
central station, proprietary, remote, and fire command)
Skills:
Follow-up after testing to confirm receipt of signals.
Notify the monitoring service that testing has been
completed.
2.5.6
Work with the owner to plan and implement an
impairment procedure.
Conduct a post-inspection conference with the
owner.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 4.1.4, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, A.4.1.4
Conditions that constitute an emergency impairment
Deficiencies that affect the functionality of the system
Skills:
Explain inspection and test results to the owner.
Provide notifications in response to an impairment
and/or system deficiency.
Recommend corrective actions.
Advise the owner that the system has been restored.
Communicate clearly and professionally.
Knowledge:
NFPA 25: 15.3, 15.5 – 15.7
Planned and Emergency Impairments types
Potential consequences to system operation while
impaired
Tagging procedures
Approved December 1, 2014
Page 7 of 7
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